Two great sources of untapped talent are people with disabilities and those with prison records. Work Opportunity Tax Credits and other programs that pay you to hire and retain these employees make it more than worth your while to hire from both groups.

I am not saying you should lower your hiring standards, but that you should evaluate your hiring process to be sure your systems are not automatically screening these people out. Employers who do hire from these groups report that these workers perform at or above standards as well as being so grateful for the opportunity that they are undyingly loyal.